Statement by Mr.Dmitry Polyansky, First Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, at the Security Council on the adoption of UNSCR 2404 on Guinea-Bissau

28 February 2018

The Russian Federation supported the adoption of resolution 2404 (2018), extending the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau.

In taking that decision, we were guided by the importance of maintaining consensus within the Security Council. We also took into account the hopes expressed by our African partners. In that regard, we wish to stress that the acknowledgment contained in the document of instances of restrictions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States on a number of Guinea-Bissau actors does not signify their approval by the Council.

Once again, we note the fact that the only legitimate international sanctions are those imposed by the Security Council, in line with Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.

We object to any attempt, through the Council, to introduce wording that would distort that fundamental principle in international law or use it to legitimize unilateral restrictions, regardless of any noble intentions that may be advanced.

Our approach to the matter is well known. Unilateral sanctions, especially those imposed in addition to measures already agreed by the Security Council, are a path to nowhere. Not only do they not help to resolve crises but, as practice shows, they only serve to further escalate them.